The halls of history became a living classroom for an eager group of 8th graders from Saint Michael’s Christian Academy in January, as they traded the sunny shores of San Clemente for the storied streets of Washington, D.C. on an adventure that transformed textbook knowledge into unforgettable memories.
This week-long expedition, guided by the school’s principal and history teacher, immersed students in America’s heritage. They walked the marble halls of the Capitol, stood before the original Constitution, and witnessed firsthand the monuments that define our republic.
“Seeing it (Washington D.C.) is way different than just reading about it.”, says Hannah Powell, History teacher & trip chaperone. She adds, “8th grade history focuses a lot on our government and how it works, so getting to see where those things happened and are happening, enhances understanding.”
For many young travelers, this marked their first venture to the East Coast – a world away from Southern California. Students were captivated by the contrast: crisp air replacing ocean breezes, centuries-old architecture instead of modern developments, and the capital’s energetic pulse compared to San Clemente’s coastal tranquility.
Each student discovered personal connections to history – from the National Cathedral’s magnificent stained glass to the first ladies’ iconic dresses at the American History Museum. The rovers at the Air & Space Museum and ancient skeletons at The Smithsonian sparked wonder and curiosity.
A very important part of the itinerary was a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery, which is the largest National Cemetery in the US, with over 400,000 marble markers. Many of the parents, including the dean, Fr. Lewis Powell, are US veterans, making this a very special stop on their trip. In fact, two of the students, Levi Harris and Nicholas Knights, were selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a profound moment for all of the students. Levi Harris reflects, “…my key takeaway from the trip was…I appreciate our military a lot more now, just seeing how much they have had to fight for us and how many people have given up their lives…”
Students embraced hard work before the trip, writing community appeal letters and mowing lawns to raise funds. These lessons in dedication proved as valuable as any history lecture, with students unanimously agreeing that every effort was worthwhile.
Beyond the educational benefits, the trip is also about building lasting memories and fostering a sense of community among students. Spending a week together in a new environment encourages teamwork, communication, and friendship.
At Saint Michael’s Christian Academy, education extends beyond textbooks – from walking trips to local shops to cross-country explorations. This immersive learning approach distinguishes the school, preparing students not just academically but as engaged citizens.
Finally, the students highly recommend “We The Pizza” as an essential Washington D.C. stop – a unanimous five-star endorsement from our young travelers!
